Random Facts & Tips
Fact: Even high efficiency vehicles can release nearly a pound of CO2 for every mile driven.
Tip: Pick up weekend groceries after work and pick a day off to leave the car in the garage all day.
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Sustainability Events
Office of Sustainability In the news:
Sustainability efforts on Facebook?
The Office of Sustainability (OS) was implemented in FY 2010 to further implement Resolution 160-06 A endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and to set forth a road map for sustainability in the community. As part of that overall plan, it was felt important to have a department and staff dedicated to spearheading all of the sustainability efforts for the community. This will ensure that all areas of the local government and community are working together to reach the same goals guided by this department and staff.
The City received a Department of Energy ARRA Stimulus Block Grant in the later part of FY 2009 with funding for a Sustainability Manager and start up costs for the Office of Sustainability. This department will be responsible for administering this 3-year block grant, planning, directing, coordinating a business plan, integrating short and long term sustainable comprehensive action plans, resource conservation, and related sustainability programs and operations to advance a more sustainable, vital and well planned future for Columbia.
EECBG activities:
Office of Sustainability:
701 E. Broadway
2nd Floor City Hall Addition
Columbia, MO 65201 |
Sustainability Manager:
Barbara Buffaloe, LEED AP
(573) 817-5025
BaBuffal@gocolumbiamo.com |
What is “Sustainability”?
A community is sustainable when it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Current sustainability efforts in the city of Columbia
- Sustainability Now on Columbia Access Television
- Better Buildings Challenge: The City of Columbia joined the US DOE's Better Buildings Challenge in
2012. The City's goal is to reduce emissions by 20% by 2020.
- Rental Energy Efficiency
- Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Progress Report
- Earth Day 2012: Columbia celebrated Earth Day on April 22, 2012.
- Earth Hour: Columbia celebrated Earth Hour on March 31. For more information on the event, visit the Earth Hour website
- LEED-certified buildings: Many new facilities within the City of Columbia operations have pursued, or are pursuing LEED certification status with the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED green building certification program is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
- Sustain Columbia: See how the City of Columbia has taken a proactive approach to reduce our carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption, urban planning and sustainable architecture to preserve the city for future generations.
- Energy Efficiency: Visit Water & Light’s programs that help to increase your energy efficiency and read get some conservation tips.
- Stormwater Management: Find contact information, outreach, education, construction, new development, and resource information about the City’s storm water management program.
- Renewable Energy: Read through Columbia Water and Light’s 2010 Renewable energy report.
- Recycling: Learn about Columbia’s recycling program as well as drop off sites, curb-side recycling, and additional recycling resources.
- Non-Motorized Transportation: Click here and you will be transported to GetAbout Columbia’s website with information about more sustainable transportation including cycling courses, maps, ways to get involved, and upcoming events.
- City Green: The District: The City of Columbia has received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Office (EPA), Climate Showcase Communities.
Through the City’s Grant titled, “City Green: The District” the City will work cooperatively with downtown businesses
and building owners to reduce energy usage and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
